News Article | 4/1/2009

Q-Edge: Up to 500 Jobs, $700 Million Impact

FORT WORTH – Offering the prospect of a $700 million economic impact, Plainfield, Ind.-based Q-Edge Corp. will open a shop in the Alliance Global Logistics Hub. The region’s newest employer has leased 365,440 sf of a distribution center once lighted by Nokia Corp.

Q-Edge could begin hiring in May for the new shop, slated to go into the 423,992-sf Alliance Gateway 2 at 5650 Alliance Gateway Freeway. The company’s specialty is assembling and distributing electronics. The new location is part of the Alliance intermodal facility, where Fort Worth-headquartered BNSF Railway recently completed major upgrades, including the addition of nearly nine miles of new track and two new bridges. Trace Elrod and Reggie Beavan of Jackson Cooksey in Dallas represented Q-Edge in the transaction. Hillwood was represented in-house by Bill Burton and Tony Creme.

In today’s press release, Q-Edge and economic leaders said the deal will bring up to 500 jobs and the promise of a $700 million economic impact. A job fair is being planned by Texas Workforce Solutions to recruit skilled computer assembly and distribution professionals. In addition, state officials, TWC and Tarrant County College are working to secure federal funding to provide skills development training to meet Q-Edge’s workforce needs.

“Q-Edge’s expansion is evidence of our strong economic footing compared to the rest of the nation during these uncertain economic times, and I look forward to the contributions they will make within Fort Worth and across the state,” said Texas Gov. Rick Perry.

As leaders near and far lauded the win, Q-Edge’s Wen Ren credited Fort Worth’s business climate and geographic location as primary factors in the decision to come to North Texas. Fort Worth City Council reportedly went to work this morning on working through tax abatements for the inbound company.

“This is a tremendous vote of confidence for our city’s role in the global economy,” said Fort Worth Mayor Michael Moncrief.

The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development Division, City of Fort Worth, the governor’s office and Hillwood had aligned to secure Q-Edge’s nod. In the past two years, more than 3,500 jobs have been created in AllianceTexas, many with ties stretching worldwide.

“This was truly a team effort of many partner organizations, elected officials and business leaders,” said David Berzina, executive vice president for economic development at the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. “By drawing on these resources, Fort Worth has been able to offer superior competitive advantages to corporations, resulting in significant new revenues and jobs for our city, despite the economic slowdown.”